Family fun: Dauphin Island fireworks show planned for July 3 (not July 4)

MOBILE, Alabama -- Fireworks will burst over the beach on Dauphin Island a day earlier than most other pyrotechnic displays in coastal Alabama, town officials said this week.

The July 3 show starts at 9 p.m., said Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier, adding that it is expected to last about 20 minutes. The fireworks will be launched from the Isle Dauphine golf course, he said, where some parking will be available.

“The main thinking was we would not be competing with other events,” Collier said. “And for the viewing public, it will give them a chance to see more than one fireworks show.”

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, and the event is rained out on July 3, the fireworks will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 7, Collier said.

“It will be as big as the one last year,” he said. “It should be a really good display. We kick off the Mardi Gras season and get people excited. We’re going to do the same thing with the Fourth of July this year.”

The town of Dauphin Island is using money provided by BP to the state after the Gulf oil spill in 2010 to pay for the fireworks. Collier estimated the show will cost about $18,000.

Because the event is planned before other fireworks shows, town officials expect for more visitors than usual to make the drive to the barrier island located three miles south of the Mobile County mainland.

Police officers will be stationed across the island to assist with traffic issues involving the fireworks display, authorities said.

“We want to remind everyone it’s a family event and to have patience,” said Dauphin Island Police Chief Darryl Wilson. When the fireworks are over “we are going to get everybody off the island as quickly as possible.”